At 3 Point Productions, we believe the soundtrack to any event is extremely important in providing a first-class fan experience. Traditionally, college athletics production hasn't included a sports DJ or just a limited source of canned music. As production in collegiate athletics continues to evolve, we've seen a hybrid style of using a sports DJ to complement the school band growing in popularity. Our series of 2014 College Playlists are designed to help you understand the impact canned music from a DJ can have when building on in-game momentum or developing a true home court advantage.

Volleyball is an extremely fun and unique sport to soundtrack. Game Directors should look to build energy the minute arena doors open, throughout pre-game and then start to really crank it up during formal player warm-ups. Keep the energy high because some volleyball matches can end in as soon as 3-sets but always stay flexible and be ready to guide a 5-set thrill ride if needed. The genres of music I recommend to use most are Pop, Electronic and Party Rock. Feel free to add a dash of Rock and Hip-Hop but keep it upbeat and always play songs with a purpose.

Player Warm-Up Songs

Player warm-up songs should be played during formal player warm-ups. I deem this time as theirs. Look for these music selections to build a high-energy atmosphere to set the tone for a match. The mood of the music should be upbeat with some attitude.

In volleyball, timeout usage is a major strategic component of the match. Timeouts are almost always called to stop the momentum or a run from the opposing team. You can build a home court advantage by taking advantage of these opportunities and playing off of them. Here's a general rule of thumb: If the home team calls a timeout, cue the band. If the opposing team calls a timeout, cue a hot song from your DJ. Hot songs should carry momentum for the duration of a timeout and build on fan excitement. Typically these songs are feel good or celebratory type of songs. Here are examples that should be added to your music library.

1. "Booyah" - Showtek

2. "Hello" - Martin Solveig feat. Dragonette

3. "Turn Up The Love" - Far East Movement

4. "Delirious (Boneless)" - Steve Aoki

5. "Satisfaction" - Benny Benassi

6. "Let's Go" - Calvin Harris feat. Ne-Yo

7. "Bend Ova" - Lil Jon feat. Tyga (edited version)

8. "Get Up" - Bingo Players & Far East Movement

9. "International Love" - Pitbull feat. Chris Brown

10. "I Love It" - Icona Pop (edited version)

Oldies but goodies:

1. "Strike It Up" - Black Box

2. "Whoomp There It Is" - Tag Team

3. "This is How We Do It" - Montell Jordan

4. "Sing Hallelujah" - Dr. Alban

5. "Let's Go Crazy" - Prince

Bumps

Bumps are songs that we cue to the end of a timeout after some sort of crowd rouser. These songs are intended to build crowd energy leading into a crucial upcoming serve. Here are some good examples to build a home court advantage.

A well soundtracked volleyball match is sure to improve your overall fan experience. Outside of the songs I've highlighted here, there are plenty of opportunities to be creative in theming your presentation. Take a good look at how you're currently theming your in-game prompts, promos and sponsor activations to ensure the soundtrack is fresh and fits the brand(s) you're working with. A great audio experience is built in pre-production - not on game day. Build cues for every possible in-game scenario, so that when the time comes, your DJ is a click away from responding with the perfect song or sound effect. Game presentation is an art form and the beauty is in each detail.

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3 Point Productions

Experience Is Everything

We use the power of live events to bring brands to life and create memories for fans. Within the sports industry, our experience and standards are unmatched and our creative passion is unrivaled. We drive the evolution of fan experience one gameday at a time.